Performers from the Native Canadian Centre posing with festival attendees after Aboriginal Welcome Ceremony.
Photo: City of Toronto

New to Toronto? Well it’s time to settle down and have fun. For the international student frosh, there is an event called the International Students Festival to celebrate your arrival.

Hosted by the City of Toronto in partnership with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, as well as 30 schools from across Ontario, it’s big enough to please all five of your senses.

Taking place at David Pecaut Square at King Street West and John Street on Sept. 27 from noon to 6 p.m., the event will celebrate cultural diversity and achievements within the international student community.

For your eyes, there will be more than enough arts and culture exhibits and live performances that will be taking place.

Bhangra, Egyptian belly dance, and Armenian dance are just a few of the cultural dances that will “hold the beat” on the main stage. Search for them on YouTube and you will understand how eye-catching these shows are.

For your ears, the musical performances are not to be missed.

This year, the festival will have the Sidewalk Crusaders playing Jazz, and the Samba Squad working on Samba choruses with the public. Your ears will be very busy.

For your hands, there are plenty of giveaways and information to take from the booths. Universities, colleges, banks and corporate booths will line up to welcome you. Their friendly reminder is BYOB—bring your own bags—for the event.

Furthermore, there are several ministers, counsellors, foreign dignitaries, as well as other civic and corporate leaders that will be there. Your hands will be tired from shaking theirs.

For taste and smell, of course, there will be numerous food trucks and food booths. They are the only places you need to pay.

Although they may not serve your home town delicacies, try the hot dog or hamburger, the most significant Canadian style street foods.

One of the most important sections of the event will be the Excellence Awards.

These awards acknowledge the contributions of international students and are presented in six categories: community service, entrepreneurship, academic excellence, arts and culture, sports, and international student services.

Last year’s prize included a letter of recognition from the mayor, a gift from the City of Toronto, and a $500 cash prize.

International student Denys Zakaliuk from the Ukraine, won the Sports Excellence Award last year. The city is anxiously waiting for this year’s winner.